Fake News on O-Block
September 29, 2022
In a story jointly published by the Chicago Reader and The Triibe, coverage of developments at Chicago’s O-Block is scrutinized.
ALL: Opening Acts
Coolio’s Sound Master Crew
September 29, 2022
Contrary to reports, L.A, rapper Coolio’s career began in the mid-80s, when he floated through several short-lived electro-rap ensembles.
P4K’s 250 Best Songs of the 90s
September 27, 2022
Pitchfork’s latest retrospective list, a ranking of the top 250 best songs of the 1990s, embraces a girlboss theme. The top five slots belong to women.
Jean Grae and Hip-Hop Heresies
September 14, 2022
In light of Jean Grae’s identification as nonbinary, Shanté Paradigm Smalls’ Hip-Hop Heresies, a book about queer identity in hip-hop culture, is enlightening.
Futura 2000 on Basquiat, Haring, Warhol
August 31, 2022
A recent Futura 2000 interview in Artnet is full of memorable details.
Fake Musicians and The Source
August 31, 2022
ProPublica’s story about internet clout chases contains a detail about The Source magazine, a famed example of golden-era rap journalism.
Sammus on AI
August 23, 2022
With controversy surrounding “augmented reality” act FN Meka, it’s worth reading Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo’s story on AI in the rap industry.
Hua Hsu on Suspended in Time
August 18, 2022
Hua Hsu, a staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses his new zine Suspended in Time, which also serves as a preface for his forthcoming book, Stay True.
Cadence Weapon, Teen P4K Critic
August 11, 2022
In a long-ish essay published in The Walrus, Cadence Weapon recounts his time penning reviews as an enterprising Edmonton teenager.
Blockhead on “Drumless” Rap
August 9, 2022
On July 6, Blockhead launched a fascinating Twitter thread exploring the phenomenon of “drumless rap.”
UHHM and Russell Simmons
August 9, 2022
It remains unclear why disgraced rap mogul Russell Simmons is associated with Universal Hip-Hop Museum, which is scheduled to open in the South Bronx in 2024.
Rob Swift’s Tips
August 9, 2022
Inspired by a Wiz Khalifa tirade, Rob Swift has gathered some helpful tips for navigating a rapper’s ego.